Mt. Lyn Lowry cross goes dark

The sky has been dark over Mt. Lyn Lowry for a few days, and people are wondering why.

The 60-foot tall cross, a memorial to 15-year old Lyn Lowry who died of leukemia in 1962, will remain dark for a while.

“We’re trying to get it fixed,” said Bet Snyder, a trustee of the Sumter L. Lowry Foundation. “The lighting system is 50-years old and is having some problems.”

The Lowry cross was first lit Aug. 6, 1964, and was dedicated Aug. 9, 1965, by the Rev. Billy Graham in a private ceremony. Since then, the cross, sitting at 6,280 feet above sea level, has shone brightly most nights, visible for 30 to 40 miles on a clear night.

The cross has had the same lighting system since it was built and will have to meet certain standards before it’s lit again.

“The government has outlawed certain types of light bulbs and we’re tying to figure out what the best replacement is in terms of what’s going to give it the same quality and quantity of light,” said Snyder. “The fixtures themselves have gone dead and you can’t just replace those.”

The foundation is working diligently to get the lights back on.

“We’re trying to get it done as swiftly as we can,” said Snyder.

Comments (5)

Posted by: Scott Lilly | Apr 21, 2014 16:06

If you were in the Solar/LED business, wouldn't this be a perfect opportunity to showcase your products/services literally for all to see over 30 miles?

Posted by: Charles Zimmerman | Apr 22, 2014 08:31

I consider it to be a hypocritical isore.

C.Z.

Posted by: Allen Alsbrooks | Apr 23, 2014 13:34

Just wait 'till you see the Jesus atop Buck Mountain.

Posted by: Charles Zimmerman | Apr 24, 2014 08:27

Is a cross really what Jesus would want to see?

Considering the admonitions against "false idols", hypocrisy of praying before men, crusifiction, I'd say Jesus would leave those areas of any country that blatantly violate the lessons of the bible as well as his life's works "behind"..

C.Z.

Posted by: Allen Alsbrooks | Apr 24, 2014 13:09

Well with all the divorces, adultery, and fornication violating the "sanctity of marriage" I think "he" already left the US